On Thursday, May 26th, the New Beginnings Parent program participants gathered to thank the community partners who helped them graduate in the midst of parenting at the annual Thank You Tea.
New Beginnings is a partnership between the Abbotsford School District, Bakerview Centre for Learning, Ministry of Children and Family Development, and Archway Community Services.
Since the program began in 1990, over 1000 parents have graduated high school. There were eight graduates in this year’s class.
“Parenting and education at all levels has been more challenging over COVID. To be able graduate while parenting in a pandemic is a testament to the resiliency of these grads,” said Maria Cargnelli, the Manager of Early Years and Family Support programs at Archway.
“We’re so proud of them and wish them the best in the next stages of their lives.”
A highlight of the event is the presentation of quilts for the students’ children which are donated by the Abbotsford Quilters Guild.
The event was attended by officials from the Abbotsford School District, including School Board Trustees Phil Anderson and Freddie Latham), Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, Fraser Health, Abbotsford Quilters Guild and Archway staff.
New Beginnings provides flexible part-time and full-time programs for parents to complete or upgrade their high school education. Students have access to high-quality on-site childcare, parenting courses, an on-site satellite Archway Food Bank and individual supports.
“Parenting and education at all levels has been more challenging over COVID. To be able graduate while parenting in a pandemic is a testament to the resiliency of these grads.”